A CHEQUERED HISTORY
Settled just six weeks after Australia’s founding colony at Sydney Cove, the island’s scenic historic area (Kingston) is recognised for its peaceful character, outstanding Georgian buildings and evocative ruins. Kingston was previously occupied by seafaring Polynesians, then as a British convict settlement, before being settled by the Pitcairn Island descendants of Fletcher Christian and the Bounty mutineers, together with their Tahitian wives, in 1865. Many of the modern day residents (about 30%) are descendants of these original mutineers. Their legacy remains strong - four public museums keep their stories alive. One of the most interesting sights is the waterfront cemetery, where hand-hewn gravestones record the stories of early pioneers, and are dotted with the names of the mutineersAdams, Quintal, Young and McCoy etc Bounty Day, the island’s most important annual historical event, celebrates the birth of the current unique Norfolk culture
INFRASTRUCTURE APPROPRIATE FOR THE ISLAND
Burnt Pine is the island’s only commercial centre, location also of the only ATM (at the Commonwealth Bank) Some of the shops that line the only street in Burnt Pine are selfdescribed as ‘Department Stores’, which is quaint - they’re just like all the other stores, but with a slightly wider range of merchandise. On Sunday mornings, an open-air market is held in the carpark of the Post Office
Strict customs laws and quarantine rules are designed to protect the island’s delicate ecosystem of unique plants and fabulous fruit. There are 40 unique plant species on the island, as well as the famous Norfolk Pine tree - no snakes or sandflies, centipedes or fruit flies. A slice of heaven really!
Due to the rugged coastline, there are no safe harbour facilities on Norfolk. Supplies arrive by ship from the mainland, usually monthly
Unloading cargo can be quite an adventure. Ships have to anchor about a kilometre offshore and ferry the cargo in small whaleboats towed by launches. They can only unload at either of two tiny docks where antiquated cranes hoist the goods ashore - which jetty is used depends on the prevailing weather of the day.
The excellent airstrip was constructed by Australian, NZ and US servicemen during WW2, and occupies a significant elevated part of the island. It was a key refuelling airbase for flights between Australia, NZ and the Solomon Islands during WW2.
CULTURALLY VERY DIFFERENT
English is the main language, but Norfolk has its own unique local creole language (Norfuk, or Norf’k) which combines Old English with Tahitian from the Bounty descendants - ‘Hello’ is Wataweih, and ‘How are you’ is Wataweih Yoriye. Norfuk is one of the world’s rarest languages The island has a locally based radio station and a TV station, plus transmitters for Australian channels.
Reflecting their Bounty heritage, many locals share a common surname - there are 380 Adams! Everyone is much more familiar with each others nickname than their birth names, so the distinctive Norfolk Island official phone book features a section where phone numbers are listed by nickname - some of them (Toad, Tarzan, Truck, Moo etc) are quite colourful Some of the locals have even forgotten their birth names!
There’s just one traffic roundabout on the island, no traffic lights, street lights are almost nonexistent, no house numbers, and no public transport. Cows, rather than cars, have legal rightof-way here, and freely roam on all the roads.
Visitors to the island get around mostly by hire car or bicycle - there’s only one taxi. Norfolk is still a place where drivers leave their cars unlocked while they go about their business. Locals (and visitors alike) greet each other while driving, with the ‘Norfolk Wave’ - raising of the index finger from the steering wheel as you pass an on-coming vehicle!
The island's cherished long-term resident, Colleen McCullough, forged a unique connection to Norfolk Island by marrying a descendant of the original Bounty mutineers. A renowned and bestselling author, McCullough made Norfolk Island her home for nearly four decades until her passing in 2015 at the age of 77.
McCullough was most famous for two of her globally acclaimed novels ‘Thornbirds’ and ‘Morgans Run’, set (in large part) on Norfolk Island. She was a vocal advocate for the island’s self governance model. Visitors can tour her quirky house where she lived to the end of her life, offering a glimpse of where her books were researched and written
THERE HAS TO BE A CONTROVERSY
From 1979, Norfolk was a self-governing territory of Australia. In 2015, the island sought significant financial assistance from the Australian Government, setting in train events that brought the island under the control of the NSW Government as a local council. Norfolk today has a NSW postcode (2899) and comes under NSW law, although it has no state member and politically belongs to the ACT federal seat of Bean.
The island’s parliament of 9 was abolished and Norfolk lost its tax-free status, but gained access to Australia’s Medicare system, Centrelink and a range of other services Anti-Commonwealth sentiment still simmers on the island, and some locals continue their defiance against the territory’s current governance.
PRISTINE & ALMOST SELF SUFFICIENT
Many islanders are land-rich but cash-poor, and most grow their own fresh food - of which there is plenty (particularly tropical fruit). The farming sector has become self-sufficient in the production of beef, poultry and eggs Norfolk Island pine and Kentia palm seeds, cereals and vegetables are grown The pine and palm seeds, and avocados are actually exported Norfolk is renowned for its cornbread and pumpkin pies, and seafood (snapper, trevally & kingfish) is plentiful - it’s the only major natural resource.
There are 35 local restaurants on the island, just one supermarket and no fast food outlets. Most wine is imported from Australia but there is a local winery, Two Chimneys Wines, with cellar door sales Islanders organise their own annual Food Festival, and progressive dinners in private homes are a popular way of giving visitors an opportunity to meet the locals and sample local produce.
Thanks to early Americans who lived on the island over a century ago (and American whalers), celebrating Thanksgiving each year is a big deal - the island even has a holiday for it The festival features fresh produce and island cooking at harvest time, but local roast pork replaces the traditional American turkey.
1/2 DAY ORIENTATION TOUR
The half day orientation tour is a mu visitor! Visit historic Kingston, Cascade, L much more. See & hear about the fam buildings, beautiful beaches & golf c renowned Melanesian Chapel, Island G Noroflk’s laws & lifestyle Enjoy views f spots on this full commentary conducte for a delicious morning or afternoon fantastic views!
THE SOUND & LIGHT SHOW
Nightfall at Kingston brings a different mood to the Convict Settlement The stillness and the stars are there just as they were before mankind arrived in 1788, however, with the dramatic use of real life sounds, theatrical lighting & costumed actors, the stillness is broken as you are taken through the decades of Norfolk Island’s dark and terrifying decades of the convict era.
WONDERLAND BY NIGHT
SETTLEMENT
The setting is 10 acres of magical Norfolk Pines,
settlement of Kingston Walk through the cemetery & hear the history of interesting convict & colonial headstones, hear stories of the houses along Quality Row Walk through the ruins of the New Jail, see the Pier Store, Boat Shed & the Crank Mill.
BREAKFAST BUSH WALK
Take your choice of a stroll through ‘One Hundred
CONVICT
INDULGENCE TOUR
The Indulgence Tour takes you most beautiful coastal views Norf offer. Start at the south-eastern Ball Bay, and learn about the Island resupplies, before travelling & Mount Pitt, revelling in early set the island’s unique rock formation
PROGRESSIVE DINNER
Enjoy a 3 course meal progress Norfolk Island family homes. You of other Norfolk Island visitors a carefully selected island homes Norfolk stories from your din
RN SETTLERS VILLAGE
the colourful history of Norfolk Island’s ent settlement, the ‘Pitcairners’, from their ants - on one of the last remaining original properties. You will learn about the history e of the Pitcairn Settlers View the pristine ad gardens (including many of the al crops) visit a blacksmith’s forge, a WWII t, the Museum of Memorabilia and other nt locations.
AS A CONVICT
ght out! Dress as a convict & join in with mmandant for an evening of gaiety, singing & dancing. Great food! Great fun!
NIGHT AS A CONVICT
paddock to plate. On your Paddock to Plate tour, you’ll visit a market garden that supplies vegetables to the Island and learn about providing seasonal produce. You’ll also tour a farm with beef cattle to understand the unique farming practices on Norfolk Island. Next, you’llvisitafree-rangechickenfarmandlearnhowthey supply the Island with farm fresh eggs. Your final stop will be at a local home for a delicious two-course lunch featuringlocalingredients.
4WD TOUR
This 4WD tour takes you through Norfolk’s National Park where you see not only the beauty of the gum forest, but also the different growth stages of the Norfolk Pine. There may be an opportunity to see the many varieties of both native and imported plants as well as the newly constructed Boo Book Owl nests
MURDER MYSTERY DINNER
The Norfolk Island Murder Mystery Dinner is a 3 course meal fit for the commandants whilst the mystery unfolds… Meet the Commandant, Clergyman and Convicts of this period Includes true characters from the second settlement. Audience participation is required for a Guaranteed great, fun night out! Solve the mystery and win a prize!!
GHOST TOUR
Dinner and Lantern Walk Listen to tales and stories that will delight you, make you sad and through it all send shivers down your spine! Includes dinner in historic Kingston, and a lantern walk through the ruins.
BARNEY DUFFEY DINNER
Indulge in a hearty BBQ feast featuring steak, sausages, and a variety of sides and trimmings Join us to listen to local guest speakers as they share memorabilia, stories, and fascinating insights into the Island's history and governance. After dinner, embark on the breathtaking Wonderland by Night tour, and then return to 'the shed' for a delicious dessert.
ISLAND FISH FRY
Enjoy a feast of Island dishes, salads, homemade bread & fresh fried fish, followed by Island desserts & tea or coffee Enjoy some local entertainment on Norfolk’s beautiful Puppy’s Point.
CYCLORAMA
The Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama is regarded as one of Norfolk Island’s most popular attractions and has won several Tourism Awards You will walk inside a circular panoramic painting to be completely surrounded by the artwork. It is a truly unique way to experience the history of the Bounty adventures, and discover how the world’s most famous mutiny created the Pitcairn and Norfolk Island communities.
You don’t have to participate in every program activity - but it’s all included if you do!
DEPARTING BRISBANE: 5TH DECEMBER 2026
RETURNING BRISBANE: 12TH DECEMBER 2026
DELUXE TOURING INCLUSIONS:
The Paradise Hotel & Resort on Norfolk Island is a family owned and operated hotel and has recently undergone a significant amount of renovation to a majority of it’s rooms.
Set among 11 acres of lush sub-tropical gardens, the Paradise Hotel & Resort has 49 spacious rooms in four accommodation styles spread across two levels (primarily ground floor). All of the comfortable rooms are located in close proximity to reception, the restaurant and
YOURTOURESCORT
The tour will be escorted by our Senior Travel Advisor Michelle Yates from The Travel Studio
Michelle will travel with you on this outstanding journey, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and previous travel experience, along with a passion for people, places and different cultures
You will find that Michelle will take every opportunity to make this tour on of life’s most outstanding memories.
The Superior rooms are located on the ground floor and provide easy access to the hotel lobby. Offering stylish accommodation for two guests, each room features modern appliances and comprises either a double (Queen) bed, or twin bed configuration.
As for the cosy Garden Rooms, they are located on both the ground and first floors with many on the ground floor boasting a private terrace to enjoy the hotel gardens and swimming pool Each Garden Room is comprises of either a king, queen or twin beds.
Both rooms have a private bathroom, satellite television, DVD player, refrigerator, IDD phones, clock radio, fan, iron/board, hair dryer and tea/coffee facilities.
FIRST PASSENGER
Title: Surname (as shown on photo identification):
First Name (as shown on photo ID):
Preferred First Name:
Sex: MALE / FEMALE If sharing what would be your room preference? TWIN / DOUBLE
Do you require single supplement? YES / NO
Would you like us to keep an eye out for a possible twin-share on your behalf? YES / NO
(Please note that Single Supplement will be payable if we are unable to assist with a suitable twin-share for you)
Do you have any dietary or seating requests:
Are you a Qantas Frequent Flyer? Member number:
Do you hold valid Government Issued Photo ID? YES / NO ID Type: Number:
Date of Issue: / / Date of Expiry: / / Place of Issue:
Date of Birth: / / Occupation:
SECOND PASSENGER
Title: Surname (as shown on photo identification):
First Name (as shown on photo ID):
Preferred First Name:
Sex: MALE / FEMALE If sharing what would be your room preference? TWIN / DOUBLE
Do you require single supplement? YES / NO
Would you like us to keep an eye out for a possible twin-share on your behalf? YES / NO
(Please note that Single Supplement will be payable if we are unable to assist with a suitable twin-share for you)
Do you have any dietary or seating requests:
Are you a Qantas Frequent Flyer? Member number:
Do you hold valid Government Issued Photo ID? YES / NO ID Type:
Number:
Date of Issue: / / Date of Expiry: / / Place of Issue:
Date of Birth: / / Occupation:
PASSENGER/S CONTACT DETAILS
(Please attach details separately if Second Passengers Contact Details are different)
Mobile No: Email: Home Tel: Work Tel:
Street Address:
Suburb: State:
Postal Address (if different from street address):
Suburb: State:
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Postcode:
Postcode:
It is compulsory and in your interest to carry travel insurance for health, loss of luggage/belongings and in case of cancellation Would you like us to send a travel insurance brochure to you? YES / NO
I have read and understand the responsibility section detailed in this brochure and the General Information and Booking Conditions and accept them on behalf of myself and my party I declare that I/they are not travelling against any medical advice
Signature:
Date: / / Your Travel Adviser:
EMERGENCY CONTACT (Person to contact should there be an emergency while you are overseas)
Name: Relationship:
Street Address:
Suburb:
PAYMENT OPTIONS
1. Direct Deposit
2. Credit Card – Please debit my:
Visa / Mastercard / American Express / Diners Club
Card No: Expiry: / /
Cardholder’s Name: Security code
Cardholder’s Signature:
(Payments by credit card will be subject to a 1 5% Merchant Administration fee/VISA & Mastercard
3. Direct Deposit into Travel Masters bank account Please call for bank details
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT
If you are a sole traveller and would prefer to share, we will do our best to arrange a twin share, however this cannot be guaranteed If we are unable to find someone to share, the single supplement will be applicable
PRICE EXCLUDES
Meals other than specified, insurance, items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, and phone calls
INSURANCE
Although medical assistance on Norfolk Island is covered by Medicare, it remains a condition of joining this tour that you take out comprehensive cancellation insurance Our agency will provide details of travel insurance providers and assist you with your holiday insurance
HOLIDAY VARIATIONS
The group holiday cost is subject to surcharges should they occur as a result of increased costs due to changes in the itinerary, government action, currency exchange rates, fuel costs, overflying costs, airport charges and increases in scheduled airfares The tour itinerary is based on airline schedules, rail and launch schedules current at the time of preparation of this tour Hotel names are subject to change.
Where these changes occur, it may be necessary to amend the tour to accommodate revised days of operation We will endeavour to include all the sightseeing and other features included, subject to the constraints of the revised scheduling You will be advised as these events occur The tour cost is based on scheduled airline fares, which are not guaranteed until tickets are issued Our chosen airline reserves the right to increase or decrease airfare at any time prior to ticketing The transportation companies or firms shall be exempt from all liabilities in respect of any detention, delay, loss, damage, sickness or injury and by whom so ever caused and whatever kind occurring of or to the passenger at any time
All ticket coupons and orders are furnished and issued subject in all respects to those terms and conditions under which the means of transportation or other services provided are offered or supplied by the owners, operators, public carriers, management agents or agent The tour will be accompanied by an experienced Travel Masters escort We reserve the right to change tour leaders if circumstances determine this
PLEASE NOTE – DEGREE OF FITNESS
All Travel Masters itineraries are carefully planned and well-paced to maximize the passenger experience, while at the same time ensuring a level of comfort is maintained at all times Given the nature of the journeys and cultural experiences etc , any person/s of a reasonable general fitness level will have no problems in gaining total satisfaction from the trip. However, should any person be likely to find it necessary to require wheelchair assistance, or walking aid, it is unfortunately considered that participation on this tour would not be appropriate
GRATUITIES
As in Australia, tipping on Norfolk Island is neither expected or required
HEALTH AND VACCINATIONS
There are currently no mandatory vaccinations necessary However, we strongly recommend that you consult your local Doctor or the Travellers Medical Centre at Southport (Ph 55 264444) for full medical advice prior to travel
CLIMATE AND CLOTHING
Visiting Norfolk Island in November usually offers the best weather experience on the island; however, the weather can change, and temperature can drop, especially in the evening Light clothing is suitable; but it is also strongly recommended that you also have a light waterproof jacket with you just in case we experience wet weather
FINALLY
We hope this information will assist you plan for your holiday We would be delighted to have you join our Travel Masters escorted holiday tour. Do not hesitate to telephone or call in, so that we can be of further assistance. We want to make this a very happy and memorable tour for you.
MAKE THE MOST OF THIS EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE A UNIQUE REGION OF AUSTRALIA ON OUR EXPERTLY PLANNED AND ESCORTED TOUR.
SMALL-GROUP ESCORTED TOURS
